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Determined To Compete !
Butch Lumpkin had every opportunity to feel sorry for himself and give up because of his physical makeup.But he didn’t! Born in 1950’s and 1960’s there were between 10 and 20 thousand “Thalidomide Babies” born after their mothers took a drug to combat morning sickness. Butch is one of the approximately 5,000 survivors world-wide.Born with what he calls “short arms”. When asked he say’s”I am blessed it could have been worse” stressing attitude is everything. He has a natural athleticism that would help him navigate the world as a disabled person but the real truth his abilities far exceed that of you and me. He doesn’t buy into the labels disabled or handicapped .Instead he uses physically challenged with the patience, heart, mind,and ability to adapt!
Born in Atlanta, Ga , Butch grew up with a love of sports a gift handed down to him by his dad. He began with football understanding he wasn’t going to be wide receiver he became the one throwing the ball playing Quarterback from the shot gun position. In baseball he was the pitcher striking you out by flipping the ball off the toe of his shoes or using his throwing arm which ever worked the best. He accomplished catching using a larger glove a first baseman’s mitt. Basketball was a challenge not being able to dribble he learned to pass and shoot 3 pointers inspired by Pistol Pete Maravich. Not knowing 30 years later he would swish one from the center of the court on the Golf Channel. He was introduced to golf at an early age but outgrew the clubs at 13.Then came a game played by your feet called soccer that Butch excelled at . With strong legs that looked like tree trunks he took penalty kicks, corner kicks, and scoring his longest shot from the center of the field. Occasionally getting to play goalie when they were ahead by 3. Early in his life the seeds were planted that said don’t focus on what you don’t have but on what you do and build from there.
In high school Butch was introduced to Tennis and the idea of doing something he wasn’t suppose to do fueled his tank. Butch went on to letter at tennis and soccer.With a dream that one day he would become a Tennis Pro. Never knowing that in 2010 he would be inducted into the Hall Of Fame at Chamblee High School for his athlete achievements. As Butch entered college he began working at Horseshoe Bend Country Club his freshman year working on the golf course , then the tennis shop, and finally apprenticing to become a Tennis Professional. He lettered in both tennis and soccer while attending Mercer University and working a full time job. Butch realized he wasn’t turning pro at either sport but the ability to teach others how to win was more exciting and rewarding. The idea of becoming a Coach was born.
At 23 Butch was a centerfold in World Tennis, and the following year certified as a member of the United States Professional Tennis Association. He went on to win the Presidents Award for his outstanding contributions to tennis and Independent Pro of the Year for the state of Georgia for his teaching ability. He was featured on CNN and CBN. They said he wouldn’t last a year and he has had a successful career for over 30 years teaching many champions.
At 30 his best friend Jeff Lowe beat him at his own golf event and Butch was inspired to get longer clubs and go after the game. He started at 130, then 100, then 90, then 80 and now shoots in the 70’s. Winning a long drive contest and the coveted hole in one. By 40 he was entertaining at charity events to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project, United Way, Easter Seals and many other worthy charities.Then a miracle happened he made National attention playing in the BMW event in S.C. finding himself on the Golf Channel and the fallowing year on Golf In America. Butch has played in four tour events and gone on to play celebrity events across the country. Being blessed to play with Fred Funk, Dale Jarrett, Denny Hamlin, Dabo Sweeney and many other successful athletes.
Over the years Butch has learned to work with abled bodied and physically challenged athletes in many sports. Becoming a 7 sport athlete playing golf, tennis, soccer, pool, snow skiing, ping pong, and surfing. Playing and teaching all at a high level. He has flown an airplane, a helicopter, and learned to race BMW,S.
Early on Butch developed a successful game plan for life. Make a goal so big its doomed for failure unless you put God in it. Butch never put the word quit in his vocabulary. He replaced the word quit with Faith and proceeded to adapt to the challenges of life. For Butch the word Faith simply meant that God has a plan for his life.
Butch currently works as a Golf Entertainer and Corporate Speaker. He entertains at Tour Events, Corporate Outings, and Charity events bringing his unique humor, quick wit, and shot making ability to entertain all groups of people. He speaks, coaches, and teaches Fortune 500 companies with the inspiring message Nothings Beyond Reach with the right game plan.